| In recent years, the almost miraculous medicinal | | | | Development Corporation (RIRDC) in August 2005 |
| properties of tea tree oil (scientifically known as | | | | for RIRDC by Messager, Hammer and Riley had |
| Melaleuca alternifolia) have gained popularity. It is | | | | shown that it was effective in preventing infection |
| claimed to have antifungal properties and can cure | | | | and helping the healing process of wounds from |
| dandruff, athlete's foot and herpes among others. | | | | radioactive therapy. |
| It is also reputed to have antiviral is an effective | | | | The same study also proved that Tea tree oils is a |
| treatment for warts, cold sores and respiratory | | | | good antiseptic agent and a 15% concentration can |
| infection. Finally, it is also known to have | | | | fight Bacillus cereus, a bacteria that can cause food |
| antibacterial properties and therefore is being | | | | poisoning. It also showed that it can be as effective |
| recommended to treat acne and other bacterial | | | | as alcoholic hygienic hand wash. |
| infection. Are these claims factual or just another | | | | A study from the University of Western Australia |
| marketing hype? | | | | also revealed that tea tree oil has antimicrobial effect |
| Tea tree oil came from a plant native in the coastal | | | | against yeast infection (caused by Candida Albicans) |
| area of Australia. It was first used in the middle of | | | | and MRSA (caused by staphylococcus aureus). It |
| 1920s in surgery and in dentistry. During World War | | | | fights other infections caused by Escherichia Coli and |
| two, records show that it was used to treat skin | | | | Pseudomonas Aeruginosa. |
| injuries of people who were working the munitions | | | | Another study in August 2005 conducted for RIRDC |
| factories. In modern times, it became popular again | | | | by Carson, Ashton, Dry, Smith and Riley to observe |
| and is usually used as an ingredient for shampoos, | | | | if tea tree oil can treat cold sore, showed that it can |
| soap, lotions and other beauty products. | | | | reduce the symptoms of the cold sore but does not |
| Tea tree is clinically proven to have antimicrobial | | | | offer a cure. Therefore it may be safe to conclude |
| effects. It has been applied to cuts, stings, acne | | | | that the claim that it can cure antifungal infection is |
| and burns to prevent infection. Hospitals also use | | | | not substantiated. |
| soap with tea tree oil for hand washing and blankets | | | | At the moment, tea tree oil is only recommended as |
| for burn victims are soaked in tea tree oil to render it | | | | topical use as there is not enough information |
| antibacterial. Some studies also ran it through air | | | | available as to its toxicity. However, a laboratory |
| conditioning ducts and results shows that it has | | | | study conducted in 1990, a 2g/kg of body weight |
| bactericidal effect. A study conducted for the | | | | proved lethal to a rat. |
| Australian Government Rural Industries Research and | | | | |